Careers Representing AmericaThe U.S. Department of State encourages individualism in its workforce and offers several employee organizations to help strengthen and support its diversity.
The Asian American Foreign Affairs Association (AAFAA) caters to Foreign Service and Civil Service employees, contractors, interns, and retirees at the Department of State with the mission to improve recruitment and professional development of officers of Asian-American and Pacific Islander-descent. AAFAA has a general membership of more than 400 employees serving domestically and overseas.
If you have any questions regarding AAFAA, please contact AAFAA@state.gov.
The Carl T. Rowan Chapter of Blacks in Government (CTRBIG) is a Department of State chapter of the national Blacks in Government (BIG) organization. CTRBIG echoes the national goals of Blacks in Government of promoting equity in all aspects of American life, excellence in public service, and opportunity for all Americans.
If you have any questions regarding CTRBIG, please contact CarlT.RowanChapterofBIG@state.gov.
The Council for Career Entry Professionals (CCEP) is a professional organization at the Department of State that aims to highlight diversity, provide networking opportunities, encourage career development, and improve visibility for its members. CCEP promotes its mission through communication, and formal and peer-to-peer mentoring.
If you have any questions regarding CCEP, please contact CEPCouncil@state.gov.
The Disability Action Group (DAG) strives to promote the full and equal participation of people with disabilities Department-wide, improve disability awareness, and provide a platform for discussing issues of accommodation. DAG advocates for the rights of people with disabilities by providing a forum for information exchange and exploring goals for enhancing life for individuals with disabilities.
If you have any questions regarding DAG, please contact DAGCouncil@state.gov.
The Executive Women at State (EW@S) began in January 2008 as an informal coalition to bring together senior-level women (GS-15/FS-01) and promote effective networking among women in the Department. In October 2009, EW@S expanded to include Executive Women at State Associates (EW@S/A) for mid-career women (GS-12 to -14 and FS-02 to tenured 04 levels) and Executive Women at State Entry and Junior Level (EW@S/EJ) for entry and junior level women (at and below GS-11 and FS-04 untenured). The three EW@S groups bring together women, and those interested in women’s issues, to promote, support, and mentor women for leadership positions in the Department. The EW@S groups provide mentoring relationships, advocacy, and monthly programming to promote professional growth.
If you have any questions regarding EW@S, please contact EWS@state.gov.
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA) works to secure full parity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) personnel and their families in U.S. foreign affairs agencies. GLIFAA seeks to raise awareness about LGBT issues and advocate for LGBT Foreign Service, Civil Service, and Contract employees and their partners and children. GLIFAA also serves as a support network and resource of information for LGBT employees and their families.
If you have any questions regarding GLIFAA, please contact GLIFAA@glifaaa.org.
The Hispanic Employees Council of Foreign Affairs Agencies (HECFAA) was founded in 1982 to represent Hispanic employees at the Department of State. HECFAA’s mission is to enhance awareness of the contributions of Hispanic employees in U.S. foreign affairs agencies, assist in the recruitment, retention, and promotion of Hispanics, and develop the leadership abilities of Hispanics at U.S. foreign affairs agencies.
If you have any questions regarding HECFAA, please contact HECFAABoard@state.gov.
The Presidential Management Fellows Advisory Council (PMFAC) was established in 2008, beginning with over 300 members within the Department of State and USAID. PMFAC promotes opportunities for current fellows and PMF Alumni and seeks to enhance the professional network of its members.
If you have any questions regarding PMF, please contact PMFAdvisoryCouncil@state.gov.
The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers @ State (RPCVs @ State) is an organization comprised primarily of former Peace Corps volunteers and staff. Founded in September 2008, RPCVs @ State now has over 400 members in Washington, DC and around the world. In a variety of ways, the organization provides opportunities for members to communicate, network, and interact more effectively to the benefit of both the Department and the Peace Corps. RPCVs @ State provides its members with networking opportunities, social activities and community events that encourage RPCVs @ State to consider careers at the Department of State. Both in Washington, DC and overseas, RPCVs @ State provides tangible, practical ways for members to connect with their Peace Corps roots.
If you have any questions regarding RPCVs@ State, please contact RPCVs@state.gov.
The mission of the South Asian-American Employee Association (SAAEA) is to meet the diverse spiritual, educational, and social needs of its members. Further, SAAEA strives to increase the diversity at the U.S. Department of State, both at home and abroad.
If you have any questions regarding SAAEA, please contact SAAEA@state.gov.
The Thursday Luncheon Group (TLG) was founded in 1973 to increase the participation of African Americans and other minorities in the formulation, articulation, and implementation of United States foreign policy. Today, TLG has over 300 members and continues to monitor recruitment, assignments, employment practices, promotion patterns, training, and other personnel matters of vital interest to minorities in the Department of State and the Agency for International Development.
If you have any questions regarding TLG, please contact TLG1973@state.gov.
YPro is an innovative networking organization for early career and mid-level employees at the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development. YPro’s objectives are to facilitate the sharing of information about the work and activities of American diplomacy, provide a cohesive and representative voice on issues that concern our members, and link with other organizations both inside and outside the agency. Operating at the highest level of initiative, YPro is a self-directed peer network for connecting the dots, navigating unwritten rules, and growing leaders for public service. Launched in 2003, YPro receives no funding; membership is free and open to all direct hire employees of State and USAID, regardless of age, occupation or career track.
If you have any questions regarding YPro, please contact YPro@state.gov.
